June 18, 2007
Brassland Welcomes Doveman to the Dysfunctional Family
Observant fans of The National have noted the contributions of not one but two keyboard genius (genii?) mentioned in the linear notes to their much obsessed-upon new album, Boxer -- one being noted essayist Sufjan Stevens, the other being our friend, noted mixologist Thomas Bartlett aka Doveman. Want some basic stats? 25 years young; self-proclaimed fan of Bjork, Bach, Chris Whitley, and cocktails; resident of Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood. And here's a pretty picture.
Thomas has spent the past few years honing his sideman chops as touring keyboardist for artists such as The Frames, Antony & the Johnsons, and Elysian Fields. More recently he's done shorter stints working with David Byrne, Yoko Ono, and Miho Hatori. We first fell in love his work as Doveman upon hearing "Honey" -- an elegant ballad which led off his 2005 debut The Acrobat. We are proud to announce Brassland will be release the follow-up, With My Left Hand I Raise the Dead...this fall.